All Stories

Archaeology

The earliest known pants are surprisingly modern — and comfy

This 3,000-year-old garment was not only stylish but also functional. By recreating it, scientists also unraveled its complex and multicultural origins.

Earth

The Alps’ Matterhorn shows how much even big mountains sway

Such mountain sway data can help planners map high-risk zones for peaks, bridges or any large structures.

Brain

Is the sky really blue? It depends on what language you speak

English speakers talk about color a lot but rarely about smell. Researchers are learning how those who speak other languages sense the world and why differences arise.

Brain

Teen inventors say: There’s got to be a better way

Finalists in the 2022 Regeneron Science Talent Search are revamping prostheses, earthquake safety systems and air travel.

Climate

Satellites find big climate threats — ultra-emitters of methane

Eyes in the sky show many of the worst methane emitters are in countries that produce a lot of oil and gas, such as Russia and the United States.

Earth

Let’s learn about Earth’s secret stash of underground water

Groundwater provides drinking water to billions of people and is used to water crops worldwide.

Science & Society

Instagram influencers promote more unhealthy foods than other celebs

These findings could encourage new social media regulations to protect young users from being bombarded with unhealthy ads, says teen researcher.

Animals

Analyze This: Birds may decorate nests to scare off rivals

Birds that nest in holes face stiff competition for nest sites. Some use feathers, also found where predators have made a kill, to keep rivals away.

Chemistry

Scientists Say: Cellulose

Cellulose is an abundant natural polymer found in plants and algae. It’s used to make everything from paper to clothing.

Animals

Orcas can take down the largest animal on the planet

For the first time, scientists observed that orcas can kill blue whales by using the same hunting techniques that have worked on other large whales.

Chemistry

New process can transform urban CO₂ pollution into a resource

Researchers have developed a liquid metal that breaks down carbon dioxide in the air, converting it from a climate threat into a valuable raw material.